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Scores in opener

Williams ran for 26 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and added 39 yards on six catches during Sunday's 40-26 win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: Shady McCoy's play will garner the headlines in Kansas City, as the veteran picked up 93 yards in his reunion with Andy Reid, but it was Williams who led in total touches by a 19-11 margin and was given the ball at the goal line to punch in a one-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. It is impossible to know whether the split in carries was due to McCoy reacclimating himself to Reid's scheme or whether Kansas City intends on using McCoy sparingly to maximize his effectiveness. Williams is…read more

Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 2:00pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Confirmed as Week 1 starter

Williams will start at running back for the Chiefs on Sunday against the Jaguars, ESPN's Adam Teicher reports.

Analysis: Confirmation of his status as the team's Week 1 starter is worth noting in the context of the Chiefs' recent addition of LeSean McCoy, who played four seasons for coach Andy Reid while the two were in Philadelphia. Per the report, McCoy is expected to be available this weekend, and rookie Darwin Thompson also should factor in, but out of the gate, Williams is in line to head the team's backfield. Whether he maintains his hold on the top job will hinge on both his early season results and how…read more

Published: Tue, Sep 3 at 8:57am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New backfield competition

Williams will have a new teammate in the backfield after the Chiefs signed LeSean McCoy on Saturday night.

Analysis: Williams owners got some breathing room when Carlos Hyde dropped out of the carries picture, but McCoy will offer a serious threat even at 31 years of age. While we'll still consider Williams the starter, he seemed to lose some mojo while working through a hamstring injury this summer. It's worth noting McCoy has a history with coach Andy Reid, not to mention Shady is a strong pass catcher out of the backfield. Williams could use a strong start to hold off McCoy before the latter gets up to…read more

Published: Sat, Aug 31 at 9:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Burns 49ers defense for 62-yard TD

Williams ran for two yards on his one carry, but hauled in all three of his targets for a game-high 74 receiving yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 27-17 preseason loss to San Francisco.

Analysis: A fantasy revelation over the final quarter of 2018, Williams looked explosive in his second preseason appearance of 2018. Patrick Mahomes flipped the ball out to Williams on a third-down wheel route near midfield, and the 27-year-old back did the rest, scampering 45 yards after the catch and picking up a block from teammate Demarcus Robinson en route to the first score of the night. Over his past six regular, post and preseason appearances -- excluding last week's brief appearance against the…read more

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 9:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Makes brief appearance as starter

Williams got the start and drew one target on five snaps in Saturday's preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Williams played one drive before giving way to Carlos Hyde, who took five carries for 23 yards but also lost a fumble and didn't draw any targets. Rookie sixth-round pick Darwin Thompson had another strong showing with 30 yards on four carries, working third through the rotation after the two veterans. No longer bothered by a hamstring injury, Williams is on track for the Week 1 start, though it isn't quite clear how much playing time he'll relinquish to Hyde and/or Thompson. Williams doesn't…read more

Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 8:16am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Enjoys busy, productive practice

Williams looked sharp at Tuesday's practice, with his workload including goal-line carries, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Rookie sixth-round pick Darwin Thompson was the only other running back to get work in goal-line drills, and Brandon Kiley of 610 Sports Radio reports that Williams got the vast majority of reps with the starting offense. Williams also took the first snap at Monday's practice, stepping right in as the No. 1 back after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy both made multiple offseason comments supporting Williams as their starter, with…read more

Published: Tue, Aug 13 at 9:19am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Returns to team drills as starter

Williams (hamstring) got the first snap Monday in team drills, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant but was held out of Saturday's preseason opener against Cincinnati. Coach Andy Reid expressed some concern about the running back's extended absence from training camp, noting that Carlos Hyde was taking advantage of the opportunity. A strong showing from Darwin Thompson on Saturday further contributed to the concern surrounding Williams, but a return to full participation Monday gives the veteran plenty of time to solidify his…read more

Published: Mon, Aug 12 at 7:01am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Not playing Saturday

Williams (hamstring) won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bengals, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams has been battling the hamstring issue since July 28 so it's no surprise to see him sit out the first preseason contest. The 27-year-old was able to return to practice and participate in individual drills this week, so he appears to be progressing toward his return. Willams' preseason workload may remain limited even once he returns to full health.

Published: Sat, Aug 10 at 3:56pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Dressed for practice

Williams (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports. The running back didn't see any involvement in team drills, however, and was instead limited to individual work, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com.

Analysis: Even though he wasn't a full participant Wednesday, his presence in any capacity was a positive sign after he had been off the field since tweaking his hamstring during a July 28 session. He'll have plenty of time to ease himself into team drills in advance of the Chiefs' Week 1 game Sept. 8 versus Jacksonville, but Williams' preseason workload could be limited as he works back from the injury. Coach Andy Reid has already labeled Williams as the team's starting running back, though veteran…read more

Published: Wed, Aug 7 at 6:44am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains sidelined

Williams (hamstring) will not practice Saturday, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Williams is closing in on a full week of missed practice time, which is a source of frustration for head coach Andy Reid, who praised the likes of Carlos Hyde, when referencing the absence of his expected starting running back, per Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. "He's missed quite a bit," Reid noted of Williams. "He's missed a lot of plays. It's been great for these other guys. (Carlos Hyde) has done a nice job. He's got a lot of reps and he's taking advantage of them." While Hyde has proven to be…read more

Published: Sat, Aug 3 at 10:31am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains sidelined Friday

Williams (hamstring) is not in pads for Friday's practice session, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams exited Sunday's session early due to the hamstring issue and has yet to return to practice. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but it's no surprise to see the Chiefs remaining cautious so early in training camp. Carlos Hyde should continue seeing additional first-team reps in his absence.

Published: Fri, Aug 2 at 6:53am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Missing another session

Williams (hamstring) isn't in pads for practice Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Williams will miss a second session following his early exit from Sunday's practice. A short-team absence shouldn't make much difference, considering coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy both made it clear during the offseason that they view Williams as their starting running back. Recovery from hamstring injuries is difficult to predict, so the Chiefs likely will take a cautious approach, giving Carlos Hyde most of the first-team backfield reps in the meantime.

Published: Tue, Jul 30 at 6:24am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Misses practice

Analysis: Williams was removed from Sunday's practice with an apparent hamstring injury, leaving Carlos Hyde to take over with the first-team offense. Coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy both made it clear during the offseason that they view Williams as their starting running back.

Published: Mon, Jul 29 at 6:35am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Leaves practice early

Williams left Sunday's practice early with a hamstring issue, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries, it's possible the Chiefs are being extra cautious with the running back they listed atop their depth chart going into training camp. Williams averaged 100.4 scrimmage yards and 1.7 touchdowns on 17.5 touches per game over his final six games (including playoffs) last season.

Published: Sun, Jul 28 at 8:40am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Locked in atop depth chart

Coach Andy Reid said he's asking Williams to be the "full-time starter" for the upcoming season, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports. "[Williams] has taken that challenge," Reid said. "He wants to do this thing, and he's earned the right to be that guy. And now it's a matter of production."

Analysis: Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy both have made strong comments in support of Williams, shutting down any speculation about Carlos Hyde or Darwin Thompson pushing for a starting job. Including the playoffs, Williams averaged 12.8 carries, 4.7 catches, 100.4 scrimmage yards and 1.7 touchdowns on 43.3 snaps over his final six games last season. He ceded some playing time to Spencer Ware or Charcandrick West each week, but otherwise dominated high-value opportunities in the passing…read more

Published: Wed, Jul 10 at 9:23am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Named starter by OC

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said Williams is the Chiefs' starting running back, John Sleezer and Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star report. "Williams is our starter," Bieniemy said. "We expect him to excel in that role."

Analysis: Bieniemy seems to be shutting down any idea of a competition with Carlos Hyde or sixth-round pick Darwin Thompson, but that doesn't mean Williams will be the only running back with a significant role in the offense. Coach Andy Reid has a well-established history of giving his lead backs sizable workloads in terms of both carries and targets, typically relying on one player to log at least 60 percent of the snaps. Williams isn't anything special in terms of running ability, but he's a good…read more

Published: Fri, May 31 at 6:40am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

May lose red-zone touches

Analysis: It's fair to question whether the Chiefs believe Williams can be a true three-down back despite evidence supporting the notion throughout Week 15 and carrying into the postseason, in which the fifth-year back tallied 362 rushing yards, 210 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in five starts. Hyde's one-year deal likely won't stop the Chiefs from adding more depth at the position throughout the rest of the offseason, so while the two-year extension Williams signed in late December should be seen…read more

Published: Sat, Mar 9 at 1:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

First in line for lead role

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said the starting job at running back is Williams' to lose, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Williams emerged over Spencer Ware after Kareem Hunt was released, scoring 10 touchdowns over the final six games of the season (including playoffs). The Chiefs rewarded Williams with a two-year, $5.1 million extension Dec. 27, while Ware is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The team figures to bring in backfield help via the draft and/or free agency, but Williams should still be on track to open training camp with the first-team offense. Given that Tyreek Hill may soon…read more

Published: Fri, Mar 1 at 6:49am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Scores three touchdowns

Williams carried 10 times for 30 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 37-31 AFC Championship Game overtime loss to the Patriots. He also caught five of eight targets for 66 yards and two more touchdowns.

Analysis: Williams managed just 3.0 yards per carry against a respectable New England front, but he was utilized often as a receiver and nearly reached 100 scrimmage yards. He enjoyed a tremendous fourth quarter, scoring on a one-yard reception, a 23-yard grab and a two-yard run to help his team climb all the way back into the game. Williams was outstanding during the postseason, piling up 154 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in two games. He signed an extension with Kansas City in December and will…read more

Published: Sun, Jan 20 at 8:39pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Tallies 154 yards in win

Williams ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and added 25 yards and five catches during Saturday's 31-13 win over the Colts. He was seen on the sideline having his feet and ankles taped up, but he stayed in through the Chiefs' final drive.

Analysis: Sophomore sensation Patrick Mahomes will get a lot of the headlines heading into the AFC Championship Game, but Williams deserves a ton of the credit. Playing against a Colts team that was sporadic at best on offense, Williams wore Indy's defense down early. He sliced and diced for a 10-yard touchdown on the Chiefs' opening possession and easily converted a fourth and short on the very next drive. How he performs, particularly if the weather is a factor, in the AFC Championship Game will be a…read more

Published: Sat, Jan 12 at 5:37pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Will remain starting RB

Williams will start Saturday versus the Colts, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Spencer Ware gave it the old college try in effort to play for the first time since Week 14, but his hamstring didn't pass the requisite tests during a pregame warmup. With inactive status confirmed for Ware, Williams will work as the Chiefs' lead back, which previously translated to 48 touches for 322 yards and four TDs in three games to close out the regular season. Behind Williams, fellow running backs Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West will receive any reps that linger.

Published: Sat, Jan 12 at 12:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finishes regular season strong

Williams picked up 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and caught one pass for eight yards during Week 17 against the Raiders.

Analysis: Williams has emerged as a key piece for the Chiefs out of the backfield with Spencer Ware (hamstring) sidelined, and he'll likely factor into the Chiefs' playoff plans after averaging 6.0 yards per carry and notching three rushing touchdowns and four total scores in the final three games of the season. He's also proven to be a capable receiver, snaring 18 passes for 135 yards and two scores over the final four contests. Consequently, Williams could be a sneaky option in playoff pools.

Published: Thu, Jan 3 at 10:33am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Will fill in for Ware again

With Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive, Williams is in line to head Kansas City's ground game Sunday against the Raiders, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Charcandrick West and Darrel Williams are on hand to see complementary work in the team's Week 17 backfield, but with Ware still out, Damien Williams is in a good spot to produce against an Oakland defense that hasn't been strong against the run this season.

Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 12:22pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Inks extension in KC

Williams signed a two-year extension with the Chiefs on Thursday, Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.

Analysis: The Chiefs rewarded Williams for his strong work in the wake of Kareem Hunt's release and Spencer Ware's injury. Since taking on a larger role after the Chiefs' bye, Williams has averaged 5.7 yards per carry while adding 19 receptions and five touchdowns from scrimmage. He'll be a part of the Chiefs' backfield plans moving forward, but this signing won't preclude Kansas City from exploring other options at running back through free agency and the draft.

Published: Thu, Dec 27 at 5:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finds end zone

Williams carried the ball 13 times for 103 yards in Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Seahawks. He also added seven receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.

Analysis: Williams continued to see his workload increase on the ground, racking up a season-high 13 carries. That allowed him to surpass 100 rushing yards in a single game for the first time in his career. Williams also continued his excellence through the air, hauling in all seven of his targets while recording his second receiving score of the season. He's taken advantage of being the lead back on one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and it should be expected that he'll maintain the same…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 9:31pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Primed for another big workload

Williams is positioned for a sizable workload Sunday against the Seahawks with teammate Spencer Ware (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the contest, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams took full advantage of the same situation in last week's 29-28 loss to the Chargers, piling up 123 scrimmage yards and two scores on 16 touches while handling a 73 percent snap share. He'll now take aim at a defense that has allowed running backs to produce 4.6 yards per carry and 7.4 per target, though Seattle did a much better job containing opposing backfields the past three weeks (zero touchdowns, 222 rushing yards). Williams' career mark of 3.6 YPC isn't encouraging, but there's a…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 21 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Thrives in spot start

Williams rushed 10 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns and brought in all six of his targets for 74 yards in the Chiefs' 29-28 loss to the Chargers on Thursday.

Analysis: The veteran back proved highly capable of shouldering primary-back duties, making excellent use of his rather modest opportunities on the ground. Williams not only averaged an impressive 4.9 yards per tote, he also paced Kansas City in receiving yardage and scored two short touchdowns in the third and fourth quarter, respectively. Williams' opportunity was a result of Spencer Ware being sidelined with a shoulder injury, and it's expected the two will revert to some sort of timeshare arrangement…read more

Published: Thu, Dec 13 at 9:22pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Draws Week 15 start

Williams will start Thursday night's game against the Chargers, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams' expanded role in the team's Week 15 offense is due to Spencer Ware (hamstring) being inactive. Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West (active for the first time this season) are on hand to provide backfield depth for the Chiefs on Thursday night.

Published: Thu, Dec 13 at 4:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

In line for elevated role

Williams is likely to serve as the Chiefs' top backfield option Thursday night against the Chargers, with Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive for the contest, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West are also in the team's backfield mix Thursday, but in Ware's absence Damien Williams figures to have a path to double-digit carries, in addition to a degree of involvement in the Kansas City passing game. It's a context that makes him a worthy Week 15 lineup roll while working within the framework of the league's highest-scoring offense.

Published: Thu, Dec 13 at 4:00pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

On track to lead Week 15 backfield

Williams is likely to serve as the Chiefs' top option out of the backfield Thursday against the Chargers with Spencer Ware (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the contest, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: There's not much in the way of tough competition behind Williams on the depth chart, as undrafted rookie Darrel Williams has played six total offensive snaps all season and Charcandrick West just signed with the Chiefs less than two weeks ago. With that in mind, Williams should have a path to double-digit carries to go with involvement in the passing game if Ware sits out. That kind of workload would be enough to make just about any back a decent fantasy option, but Williams' presence on the…read more

Published: Wed, Dec 12 at 12:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Scores twice in OT win

Williams accounted for 14 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, adding four catches for 16 yards and a receiving score during Sunday's 27-24 win against Baltimore.

Analysis: This was a fulfilling Sunday for Williams, who notched his first multi-touchdown game since Week 8 of the 2016 season as Kansas City picked up an overtime victory over Baltimore to remain in control of the AFC's No. 1 seed. Starting running back Spencer Ware (hamstring/shoulder) was banged around as the game wore on, forcing the Chiefs to lean on Williams more in the second half (7:6 carries split in favor of Ware in the second half, compared to a 8:2 ratio in the opening half). Ware's status…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 5:51pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Logs 19 snaps Week 13

Williams logged 19 of a possible 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 40-33 win over the Raiders, en route to recording five carries for 38 yards and catching two passes for seven yards.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Spencer Ware started at running back for the Chiefs on Sunday and rushed for 47 yards and a TD on 14 carries. Going forward, Williams is in line to see complementary work behind Ware, but his upside is modest, with the team expected to sign Charcandrick West, who has plenty of experience in the Kansas City offense.

Published: Mon, Dec 3 at 10:23am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com